Thank you!! And other notes …

September 17th, 2015

Dear Friend:

Last week, I formally announced my re-election campaign at Epic Railyard. It was as the name suggests. I had a great time in a great place with great music, food, and friends. And of course, I had the greatest person to introduce me, as you can see in the photo below. I will keep you updated on campaign events, and you also can keep up with the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram(where you can view more photos of the kickoff event). You can donate by clicking here.

Yes, that is Carmen introducing me. How did I get so lucky?

Other items of interest …

Meanwhile, I wrote two opinion articles that appeared in the El Paso Times and elsewhere. I posted them on my web site as well.

The first was about the border. Frankly, I appreciate that our region is in the forefront of the discussion nationally. Unfortunately, the discussion is still framed around the misguided notion of “border security.” I will continue to set the record straight, and I’m convinced that in time, the voices of our community will be heard. The border is an opportunity for the United States and Mexico to set a global example of economic and cultural exchange. In fact, we already are doing so. Instead of bashing migrants looking for work, demeaning their quest for a better life by telling lies, we should be welcoming their work and investing in the border and the relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.

The second was about education. This goes hand-in-hand with the first. Texas is among other states on the leading edge of the nation’s demographic future, and we should embrace this change with educational policies that prepare us to expand economic opportunities. This especially means using strategies that reach students who speak languages other than English at home, as many first generation families do. It also means holding true to the promise in the Texas Constitution of an equitable public education, which, as our founders knew, is a public good well worth paying for.

As always, I welcome and encourage your engagement. You can follow Texas Senate District 29 activities on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and you can contact my office at 915.351.3500 with comments, questions and concerns.